Meeting Briefs
April 23, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
April 23, 2024
(Posted April 26, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on April 23, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page.
Recognitions
Students
Math Team State Qualifiers
Daniel Almeida, Reyes Almeida, Luke Berndt, Joe Duffy, Quinn Hendricks, Ella Herr, Wyatt Hoffman, Nate Kissel, Isaac Lee, Sophie May, Avi Ponnappan, Tabitha Relyea, Addriza Risha, Zack Rosenfeld, Mak Scheuermann, Mitch Scheuermann, Will Sessler, Val Spevacek, Lukas Stripikas, Emma Strong, Dylan Strobel, Max Swicionis, Jane Tselepis, David Vacca, Will Wilkins
FCCLA State Qualifiers
Jessica Bellm, Mikaela Hogue, Isabella Romero, Mariah Watkins-Sanders
Adobe Certified Students
Gianna Diaz, Jack Kelly, Gabriel Nieto, Quentin Rohner
OSHA Certified Students
Sebastian Boguszewski, Lorenzo Burke, Jimmy Caliban, Jason Clauson, Maks Dzwonowski, Guadalupe Esquinca, Marcello George, Jesse Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Isaiah Griffin, Nathan Hart, Maxx Kusper, Matt Ligeikis, Sofia Meraz, Joshdany Pinon, Miles Russell-Barnes, Ian Spatzek, Remington Springer, Matas Stripeikis, Cade Tomkins, Joaquin Villarreal
Teachers
SIGCSE Presentation
Sandy Czajka
Educational Support Staff
Mayela Aranda, Earl Baum, Brittany Behrendt, Brian Brennan, Colette Buscemi, Kari Cantwell, Sheri Chlada, Margaret Collins, Mike Connors, Katherine Coogan, Lorenzo Cordova, Julia Crockett, Denise Delgado, William Delre, Veronica Diaz, April Englehart, Raquel Figueroa, Colleen Fischer, David Fischer, Steven Forsythe, Gabriela Gonzalez, Karla Guyton, Melissa Hammer, Louis Hidalgo, Hunter Hughes, Sherry Kocek, Steven Kus, Dawn Lizak, Marot Lorimer, Vito Martino, Mary Ann Nardi, Robyn Palermo, Ed Petrak, Rich Polfus, Jeffrey Quintana, Mirna Quintana, Jennifer Reynolds, Dave Rohlicek, Mark Ruge, Angelica Salto, Antonio Santucci, Donna Siffermann, Sara Siffermann, Heather Spry, Phillip Stefanich, Michal Stoklosa, Marianne Swon, Kim Thomas, Isabelle Ulloa, Joseph Urbanski, Lauren Vogel, David Wackrow, Sylvia Wiginton
Student Association Report
- Student Association (SA) is collecting pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House and has collected 75 pounds of pop tops. SA members will attend the volunteer opportunity, Project N.I.C.E., on Saturday, May 4.
- SA is hosting the 3rd annual Trivia Night on Wednesday, May 1.
- The final blood drive of the year will be on Friday, May 3.
- During finals week, a small group of seniors will visit the feeder middle schools to give 8th graders advice before heading to RB.
- Freshman Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 8.
District Goals Update
The RB Administration provided detailed updates on the 2023-2024 Board of Education Goals and Metrics. The 2023-2024 Board of Education Goals, SMART Goals, and Action Steps can be accessed here.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Skinkis provided a summary of district updates during the Superintendent’s Report. The report can be accessed here.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports provide the financial information for March 2024. This represents 75% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $10,220,082.
Principal’s Report
Principal Dr. Freytas provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Principal’s Report. The report can be accessed here.
Student Advisors Report
The Student Advisors provided updates on Teaching & Learning, School Culture & Operations, and Activities & Athletics during the Student Advisors Report. The report can be accessed here.
Old Business
New Culinary Lab
No new updates to report.
Nania Contract for Solar Panel Consultation
No new updates to report.
Textbook Adoption
The linked report shows the updated three-year textbook adoption plan and detailed textbook requests for the 2024-25 school year. The Board of Education approved the adoption of the requested textbooks for the 2024-25 school year.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during the closed session meeting.
April 9, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
April 9, 2024
(Posted April 12, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on April 9, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
- No new updates to report.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.
March 12, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
March 12, 2024
(Posted March 15, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on March 12, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page.
Recognitions
Students
Boys Swimming and Diving Team State Qualifiers
Lucas Hedrich, Alex Jacobs, William Kallas, Nate Kissel, Jake Kocourek, Cooper Marrs, Hayden Marrs, Aiden Pankros, Drew Rosa
Boys Wrestling Individual State Qualifiers
Joshua Gonzalez, Edgar Mosquera, Ethan Rivas
Boys Wrestling Team: Dual Tournament State Qualifiers
Girls Wrestling Individual State Qualifier
Elleanor Aphay
Varsity Poms Team- Illinois Drill Team Association State Qualifiers
Aubrey Agne, Samantha Bolt, Alexa Cavaliere, Avery Cavaliere, Maya Gonzalez, Mae Jameson, Isabella Kirsch, Sofia Lee, Sofia Miller, Liliana Nieto, Kailyn Novak, Anna Pinnick, Emelia Royer, Addie Segura, Sadie Towers, Annika Weekes
RBTV Spirit Showdown Winners
Makayla Angshed, John Isaacson, Madison Lannon, Mason Myslinski, Grace Stanley, Jenny Thomas, Kayla Tulian
Chess Team State Qualifiers
Joey Duff, Matteo Gonzalez, David Gugliciello, Eli Halliwell, Joe Hiltscher, Alex Perez, Quentin Rohner, Vittorio Sciacca, Nate Smolarek, Dylan Zec
Teachers
Dan O’Rourke
AP English Language and Composition teacher Mr. Dan O’Rourke was invited to the International AP Workshop at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Patty Sarkady
Mrs. Patty Sarkady was selected as the 2024 Illinois Digital Educators Alliance (IDEA) Classroom Teacher of the Year.
Superintendent’s Report
No new updates to report.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports provide the financial information for February 2024. This represents 67% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $3,221,168.
Principal’s Report
- The Graduation Rate Projection for the 2023-24 school year is 93.7%.
- The Freshman On Track (FOT) Projection for the 2023-24 school year is 98.4%.
- The 5Essentials Student Participation Rate as of March 14 is 92%.
- Spring Break is from March 22-April 1.
- April 6 is the Math Team State Tournament at Illinois State University. The Math Team is ranked 2nd in the region and 18th in the state.
- April 16 is PSAT/SAT testing for Grades 9-11, and seniors will have a College/Career Exploration Day.
Winter Athletics Summary 2024
Conference Champions: JV and Varsity Girls Basketball, Poms, all levels of Boys Basketball, and Boys Wrestling
Sectional Champions: Boys Swimming and Diving
For the 2023-24 school year, there were 39 All-Conference Athletes and 88 All-Conference Academic Athletes. There were 309 total winter athletes. The report can be accessed here.
Student Handbook Presentation 2024-25
Suggested changes and updates for the 2024-25 RBHS Handbook were provided in the Student Handbook Presentation. The presentation can be accessed here.
Special Education Report
An update on special education staffing, student information, and programming was provided in the Special Education Report. The report can be accessed here.
Staffing Summary Report
The Staffing Summary Report provides an overview of allocated FTE, by department, for the 2024-2025 school year, based on student course requests. The current proposed FTE for the 2024-2025 school year is 110.9. The report can be accessed here.
Student Advisors Report
- March 11-15: College and Career Week
- Trades and Career Fair: 2nd and 3rd period in the East Gym
- March 15: 1st match for Boys Tennis
- March 20: 1st match for Boys Volleyball
- April 26: Prom from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Oak Brook Hills Hilton Resort
Old Business
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
New Culinary Lab
No new updates to report.
Nania Contract for Solar Panel Consultation
No new updates to report.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the following after closed session:
- Personnel packet
- MOUs with the RBEA
February 27, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
February 27, 2024
(Posted March 1, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on February 27, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube page.
Recognitions
Faculty/Staff
Blended Learning Participants
Kevin Dybas, Margarita Acevedo, Kirsten Blumberg, Melissa Carmona, Nicholas Curby, Sandy Czajka, Danielle Delzotti, Laurence Forberg, Delaney Geraghty, Melissa Gordon, Kathleen Harsy, Marc Helgeson, Kelli Holton, Lillian Holubek, Emma Jarrell, Michele Koehler, Allison Marsh, Jessica Mauritzen, Phil McGovern, Jill McGrath, Valerie Ostrow, Mark Ori, Jenna Osburn, Sonja Rajic, Ian Robins, Patty Sarkady, Rachael Schoenhardt, Kristi Sterling, Juan Tinoco, Carolyn Tomecek, Laura Turk, Lauren Vara, Maricela Vega, Brad Vojcak, Bridget Watson, Sam Weiss
Student Association’s Report
Student Association held a Pep Rally on February 14 with a Spirit Week leading up to the event. They held a Blood Drive on February 21 and had nearly 90 people sign up to donate blood. The Senior Class Officers are hosting a Game Night on March 8 from 6:00-8:30 pm. On March 13 and 14, students can write notes of acknowledgment to the RB Staff. March 21 will be Crazy Sock Day for World Down Syndrome Day. From April 12 to April 25, RB will have a pop tab competition.
Superintendent’s Report
- An update on the planning of the future Culinary Lab was provided.
- A detailed staffing report will be provided to the Board of Education at the March meeting. The Building administration is still finalizing staffing and sectioning for next school year. Music staffing will not experience any reductions and will remain at 2.6 FTE, allowing a second year to rebound from Covid.
- Superintendent’s Advisory Council
- The Finance Advisory Council reviewed a draft of the three-year financial projections and discussed the District’s debt profile and various financing options with the District’s Debt/Investment Advisor Elizabeth Hennessey.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports provide the financial information for January 2024. This represents 58% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $1,045,378.
Principal’s Report
Quarter 3 ends on March 8. From March 11-15, RB will hold the Illinois Science Assessment for Juniors. March 14 is the Race and Equity Meeting at 6:30 PM in Room 201. The Spring Musical, Guys and Dolls, is from February 29-March 3. The Thursday-Saturday show begins at 7 PM, and the Sunday show begins at 2 PM.
Student Advisors Report
March 1: First Day of Women’s History Month
March 5: Winter Band Concert with Hauser Jr. High at 7 PM in the RB Auditorium
March 7: Winter Choir and Orchestra Concert at 7 PM in the RB Auditorium
March 8: Game Night from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
March 9: First Boys and Girls Water Polo meets.
March 11: First Girls Lacrosse match.
March 12: First Girls Soccer and Girls Softball games.
March 13: First Boys Baseball game.
March 14: First Boys Lacrosse and Girls Badminton matches.
March 15: First Boys Tennis match.
March 20: First Boys Volleyball match.
Old Business
No new updates to report.
New Business
New Culinary Lab
The administration has seen a steady increase in student enrollment for culinary classes, with over 500 student requests for the 2024-25 school year. The goal is to convert the Alumni Lounge into a second culinary lab to accommodate student interest. The lab will have commercial kitchen equipment so higher-level culinary classes can earn dual credit.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.
February 13, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
February 13, 2024
(Posted February 16, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on February 13, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
- The solar panel project costs approx. $1.5 million and the Culinary Lab project costs approx. $3 million. The administration discussed two options for these projects. The first option is to prioritize the Culinary Lab, with the work to start in late summer and be completed during the school year. The second option is to complete both projects at the same time in late summer/early fall. The administration recommends holding off on the solar project until the financial situation is reviewed and discussed with the Board of Education.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approved the personnel packet during closed session.
January 23, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
January 23, 2024
(Posted January 26, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on January 23, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Recognitions
Students
COP28 United Nations Climate Summit Attendee
Maiana Nelson
2024 Illinois High School Theatre Festival All-State Crew Members
Cameron Dominick and Elli Krivak
IMEA Musicians
Lily Borkowicz, Joshua De La Cruz, Ian Dimaano, Grayson Geiger, Vittoria Gentile, Greta Stanevičiūtė, Caroline Strubbe, William Wilkins
Plumbers Union Training Students
Vincent Jenke, Gabriel Jimenez, Michael Rateike
Adobe Certified Students
Henry Alvarado, Adobe Photoshop; Sebastian Giblin, Adobe Illustrator; Kai Hendricks, Adobe Photoshop; RJ Iwaniec, Adobe Photoshop; Kyle Straka, Adobe Photoshop; Marilyn Urban, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
Faculty/Staff
National Board Certified Teachers
James Baum, Kirsten Blumberg, Laurence Forberg, Marc Helgeson, Michele Koehler, Allison Marsh, Jessica Mauritzen, Jill McGrath, David Monti, Daniel O'Rourke, Bridget Wilmot, Suzanne Zimmerman
Patriotic Employer Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Principal Dr. Hector Freytas on behalf of Riverside Brookfield High School
Student Association Report
Student Association donated 25 Thanksgiving baskets to Community Support Services. 578 items were donated to the Coat and Blanket Drive. The quarterly Notes of Acknowledgment will continue throughout the school year and will continue to collect Pop Tops for the Pop Top collection. There will be a Pep Rally on February 14 and a Blood Drive on February 21
Superintendent’s Report
- Thank you to the administration, faculty, staff, and students for implementing two eLearning days last week due to inclement weather.
- The Cafeteria and Library HVAC commissioning is completed on the heating side. Commissioning on the AC side will occur in spring when the weather improves.
- The District has started to schedule site visits as we continue to explore the concept of installing solar panels.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports provide the financial information for December 2023. This represents 50% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $7,873,685.
Principal’s Report
- Incoming Freshman Orientation is on January 27 from 8 AM-3 PM in the Commons Area.
- Coffee with the Principal is on January 31 from 9-9:50 AM in Room 201.
- College Planning Tips for Sophomores is on February 7 from 6-7 PM in the Auditorium.
First Semester Attendance and Suspension Report
The Assistant Principal of Student Affairs and the Deans reviewed the first-semester attendance comparison and first-semester suspension report and identified areas of growth and areas of concern as RB aims to reach the district goal of 95% Average Daily Attendance and improve student behavior. The report is linked here.
Student Advisors Report
- January 24-27: IMEA All-State Music Festival in Peoria
- February 2: Girls Basketball Senior Night at 6:45 PM in the Main Gym
- February 10: Solo and Ensemble Festival, 8 AM-2 PM
- February 13: Big Band Blast from 7-8 PM in the Little Theater
- February 13: Senior Night for Boys Basketball, Cheer, Poms, Hip Hop, and Pep Band
- February 14: Winter Pep Rally in the Main Gym
- February 21: Blood Drive from 8 AM- 1:45 PM in the East Gym
- February 20-23: Spirit Week
Action After Closed Session
The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.
January 9, 2024
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
January 9, 2024
(Posted January 12, 2024)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on January 9, 2024, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
- The administration recommends that more exploration needs to occur with Nicholas and Associates (construction manager) before recommending that the District move forward with the solar panel project.
2024-2025 School Calendar
- The Board of Education approves the 2024-2025 School Calendar.
Action After Closed Session
The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves the appointment of Filberto Torres as Assistant Principal of Athletics effective July 1, 2024.
December 12, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
December 12, 2023
(Posted December 15, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on December 12, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Recognitions
Girls Golf State Qualifier
Mayan Covarrubias
Girls Swim State Qualifier
Hailey Vlcek
Boys Cross Country Team State Qualifiers
Cooper Marrs, Jack O'Brien, Brady Norman, William Kallas, Asa Kahle, Diego Lopez-Molina, Brennan Lester, Evan McMullen, Hayden Marrs, Tommy Bogdon
Public Hearing for the 2023 Tax Levy
The proposed property tax levy increase for RB District 208 was approved. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $29,689,867. Like all school districts in Cook County, District 208 is tax capped by 5% for levy year 2023. The levy represents an increase of 6.5% in order to capture a 5.0% increase plus an additional 1.5% of taxes on new property.
Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Summary Snapshot
Dual credit courses are high school courses in which students can earn high school and college credit simultaneously. Since the start of the 2022-23 school year, RB has added 12 dual credit courses: 2 new courses for 22-23; 8 new courses for 23-24; and 2 pending new courses for 24-25.
Dual enrollment courses are college courses taught at Triton College by college faculty, in which the student is earning high school credit and college credit toward a certification or degree. There are 11 students enrolled for the 2023-24 school year, and 18 students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year.
Annual Financial Report FY 2023 (Second Read)
The annual audit for FY 2023 had its second read. The summary of the audit, also called Management’s Discussion and Analysis, can be found on pages 4-10 of the audit. The audit can be found in the agenda.
Nania Solar Panel Feasibility Study
Nania is an energy consultant group that is working with District 208 on the potential installation of solar panels on the roof. They provided the district with a minimum, medium, and maximum scope version of the solar plans. The presentation can be viewed in the agenda.
Superintendent’s Report
The Cafeteria and Library HVAC commissioning is still in progress. The Assistant Principal of Athletics second round interviews are scheduled for the week of December 11th. The goal is to bring a recommendation to the Board of Education in January. Winter break is December 25 - January 5, 2024. Classes resume Monday, January 8, 2024, on a late start schedule.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports provide the financial information for November 2023. This represents 42% of the fiscal year. The total operating revenue for the month was $3,319,956.
Principal’s Report
- Final exams are December 19-22 and 1st Semester ends on Friday, December 22.
- December 22: Deadline for juniors to sign up for SAT prep classes. Classes are free, on a varied schedule, and run from January 15 to March 2.
- February 2024: Free dental exams for students. Students and families must register.
Student Advisor’s Report
- Through December 21, the Association of Students for Tolerance is hosting a Toy Drive for new and gently used age-appropriate toys. The drop-off box is located in the Atrium near Door A.
- December 26-30: Boy’s Basketball at the Jack Tosh Holiday Classic at York High School.
- December 27-29: Girls Basketball at the Sandburg Tournament.
- December 27: Girls Wrestling at the Oak Forest Tournament.
- December 28: Boys Wrestling at the Morton Tournament.
- January 6: Boys Swimmings at the Hinsdale South College Event Invite.
Fall Athletics Summary 2023
5 out of 9 fall athletics teams were conference champions. These teams were Girls Cross Country, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Boys Cross Country, and Boys Golf. There were 45 All-Conference Athletes and 121 All-Conference Academic Athletes. There were 459 fall athletes, an increase from 432 fall athletes in 2022. The report can be found in the agenda.
Staffing/Enrollment Report
The Staffing/Enrollment report includes October 2023 sectioning data. The report also includes 2022-23 and 2023-24 FTE and class averages and enrollment predictions. The report can be found in the agenda.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
The IASB Press Plus Policy Issue 113 was approved. The school calendar for 2024-25 is presented for a first read.
Action After Closed Session
The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.
November 14, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
November 14, 2023
(Posted November 20, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on November 14, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Recognitions
College Board Recognition for the 2023 AP Art and Design Digital Exhibit
Christian Varela
ILMEA District 1 Musicians
Jack Adams, Emily Baartman, Adeline Blomgren, Lily Borkowicz, Benjamin Buoscio, Hayden Clark, John Decker, Josh De La Cruz, Ian Dimaano, Angelina Figueroa, Grayson Geiger, Vittoria Gentile, Patrick Hart, Lucas Hruza, Bennet Janunas, Caroline Moran, Dayne Olson, Tabitha Relyea, Greta Stanveiciute, Caroline Strubbe, Rachel Watson, William Wilkins, Iris Williams
RBHS’ Groups Annual Presentations
RBHS Sports Boosters
The 2023-2024 school year officers are Jennie Royer, President; Kristin Hoyd and Julie Novak, Vice Presidents; Amy Raymond, Secretary; Michelle Ruska, Treasurer. Please see here for the RBHS Sports Boosters Annual Report.
Riverside Brookfield Educational Foundation (RBEF)
The 2023-2024 school year officers are David Monti, President; Treasurer, Patty Sarkady; and Secretary, Mary Todhunter. Please see here for the RBEF Annual Report.
RBHS Music and Theatre Sponsors
The 2023-2024 school year officers are Lisa Janunas, President; Ann Kissel, Vice President, Music; Amy Moran, Vice President, Theatre; Kirsten Bell, Treasurer; and Maggie White, Secretary. Please see here for the RBHS Music and Theatre Sponsors Annual Report.
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
The 2023-2024 school year officers are Julie Laube, President; VP of Communication, Courtenay Erb and Michele Mendoza; VP of Membership, Heather DiForti; Linda Sanduski, Secretary; and Treasurer, Beatrize Beltran. Please see here for the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Annual Report.
Superintendent’s Report
- The Cafeteria and Library HVAC commissioning is in progress.
- A tentative timeline has been set and an email was sent to staff to serve on the committee for the Assistant Principal of Athletics search. The District hopes to select a candidate in January.
- The annual Veterans Day assembly occurred on Friday, November 10.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports will provide the Board of Education with the financial information for October 2023. This represents 33% of the fiscal year.
Principal’s Report
- Riverside Brookfield High School earned Exemplary summative designation in the annual Illinois State Report Card for the 2022-2023 school year.
- November 22-25 is Thanksgiving/Fall Break. November 29 is Coffee with the Principal at 9 AM in the staff cafe. November 30 is College Night for Juniors and Parents at 6 PM in the Little Theater.
- From November 21-25, Boys Basketball will host the VandeMerkt Boys Basketball Tournament.
- December 6 is FAFSA Completion Night, from 4-6 PM in the Computer Lab.
Student Advisor’s Report
On November 8, Mr. Venegas and his students attended Hamilton the Musical. The Marching Band will perform at the Annual Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago on November 23. The Music Department’s Holiday Concert will be from December 6-7 at 7 PM in the Auditorium.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements, Sustainability
The IASB has released the 2023 Resolutions Committee Report. After the Board’s review and discussions, the Board delegate Ms. Hruska will vote according to the Board’s preferences at the Delegate Assembly in November.
The District has decided to submit the grant for the installation of solar panels on the roof. At the December 12 Board meeting, the District’s energy consultant, Nania Energy will review the solar panel feasibility study along with the proposed solar project options. The earliest this project would be completed is summer 2024.
Action After Closed Session
The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.
October 24, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
October 24, 2023
(Posted October 27, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 24, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Student Association Report
- Homecoming Spirit Week and the Pep Rally were a success. At the end of 1st quarter, SA collected notes of acknowledgment where students expressed gratitude to faculty and staff.
- There will be a student Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 8. Members of SA will write cards to veterans at Hines VA Hospital on November 10. Thanksgiving Baskets, a donation drive for Thanksgiving Food, will end on November 15. The Coat and Blanket Drive will take place in late November.
Principal’s Report
The Veteran’s Day Celebration is on Friday, November 10. College Planning Tips for Freshmen is on November 1 in the Little Theater. The Fall Play: A Christmas Carol is from November 2-5 in the Auditorium. Winter sports begin on Monday, November 6.
Student Advisor’s Report
- The Parent-Teacher Conferences ran smoothly, and parents appreciated the online communication with teachers.
- On Monday, October 23, the Coffee Bar opened in the student cafeteria. The Organization of Latin American Students is hosting an ofrenda (Altar) in RB’s Atrium for Dia de los Muertos from November 1-2. Mariachi Club made their debut at the Band and Orchestra Concert.
- Congratulations to our Boys and Girls Cross Country and Girls Volleyball conference champions!
Superintendent’s Report
- The Cafeteria and Library HVAC replacement project is working through punch list items.
- Kiley Fletcher released the RB Review (quarterly newsletter) last week. Hard copies of the newsletter will be dropped off at the local libraries and village halls to reach the community members who are not accessing electronic updates.
- Board members Ms. Zalas, Mr. Novak, and Mr. VenHorst attended the schoolboard workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) last Saturday.
- Dr. Skinkis was asked to present the peer evaluation system implemented at RB to the University of Illinois, Principal Leadership (MA) graduate program.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
The linked reports will provide the Board of Education with the financial information for
September 2023. This represents 25% of the fiscal year.
School Maintenance Grant
- The Administration is exploring the installation of solar panels on portions of the roof to help offset energy costs.
- Another project being explored is redesigning the current teachers’ cafeteria into a commercial kitchen for the culinary arts program and relocating the teachers’ cafeteria to nearby classroom space—more information to follow in the coming months.
Action After Closed Session
The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.
October 10, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
October 10, 2023
(Posted October 13, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on October 10, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School (RB). View the agenda and supporting documents here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Principal’s Report
Riverside Brookfield High School earned Gold recognition on the College Board's AP School Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year. Riverside Brookfield High School is also recognized with the AP Access Award, which honors schools that encourage more low-income and underrepresented minority students to take AP courses. October 19 are Parent-Teacher Conferences. October 20 is an Institute/Non-Attendance Day.
High School Leadership Team Presents Performance Reports
Riverside Brookfield High School performance data from the 2022-23 school year was measured between five performance indicators. These indicators are:
- Student Average Daily Attendance: Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for the 2022-2023 school year slightly increased from 93.1% in the 2022 school year to 93.8%.
- Student Engagement: There was an increase in student engagement for the 2022-2023 school year. 70% of the students enrolled at RB are involved in at least one activity or athletic team. This increase can be attributed to increased extracurricular options for students.
- Freshmen On-Track: Freshman On-Track (FOT) is a measure of how many first-time freshmen are, by the end of their first year, “On Track” to graduate from high school within four years. 96.08% of the Class of 2026 are on track to graduate from high school within four years.
- College and Career Readiness as measured by the PSAT and SAT: Performance data for the class of 2023, the students that have been enrolled at RB since freshmen year, demonstrated improvement over the previous year’s data in both math and evidence-based reading and writing (ERW). 76% of students met the ERW benchmark and 59% of students met the math benchmark.
- 4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate and 5-Year Adjusted Graduation Rate: The Class of 2023 4-year cohort graduation rate was 93.69%. The graduation rate excluding special education students returning for transition services is 96.8%.
Action After Closed Session
The Board approved the recommended personnel packet.
September 26, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
September 26, 2023
(Posted September 29, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 26, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School. View the agenda here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Recognitions
Students: Elizabeth Buchancow, Joseph Buckles, Katherine DeJesus, Isabelle Hernandez, Misael Herrera Mendoza, Mariah Watkins-Sanders
Teachers: Dan Bonarigo, Erin Cunningham, Sandy Czajka, Delaney Geraghty, Melissa Gordon, Michele Koehler, Lindsay Mynaugh, Dan O’Rourke
Student Association Report
Student Association (SA) gave a report on Freshman Orientation, Homecoming Week, and community outreach.
Superintendent’s Report
- The Cafeteria and Library HVAC replacement project is almost complete.
- The Coffee Bar in the student cafeteria is almost complete. Some of the equipment has been delivered and installed. The tentative opening is scheduled for early October.
- The District has received a lot of positive feedback from stakeholders regarding the efforts being made on the communications front from our new coordinator, Kiley Fletcher.
- School board workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is on Saturday, October 14, via ZOOM. This workshop will provide the Board with a general overview of the staff's training and the work that is taking place with the District Equity Leadership Team (DELT).
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
- The linked reports will provide the Board of Education with the financial information for September 2023. This represents 17% of the fiscal year.
Principal’s Report
Principal Dr. Hector Freytas provided several updates, including the introduction of Divisional Heads: Kendra Cagle, Division Head for Career and Technology Education; Marc Helgeson, Division Head for Humanities; Lindsay Mynaugh, Division Head for STEM; and Mark Ori, Division Head for Special Education.
Parent-Teacher Conferences (October 19). Senior Nights for Fall Athletics will continue throughout October.
Student Advisor’s Report
Students have responded well to Blended Learning strategies. Mariachi Club is a new club sponsored by Mr. Lobe, Mr. Baum, and student Angelina Figueroa. Girls Golf are runner-ups in the Upstate-8 Conference. Boys Golf had an undefeated conference season. The Homecoming Football game is on September 29, and the Homecoming Dance is on September 30.
New Business
There are 12 proposed changes to course fees for the 2024-2025 school year. There are now 13 Dual Credit classes students can choose from, an increase from 6 classes last year.
September 12, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
September 12, 2023
(Posted September 15, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on September 12, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School. View the agenda here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
Final Budget Fiscal Year 2024
The Board of Education approved the final budget for the 2024 fiscal year. The Tentative Budget was approved in June and has been adjusted throughout July and August based on the prior year's actuals and updates to support building-level projects and initiatives. The anticipated total revenues for FY 24 are $31,957,614, while total expenditures are projected to be $31,687,614. The budget can be accessed online.
Life Safety Items/Capital Improvements
The electronic sign on First Avenue that was damaged this summer has been replaced.
The cafeteria/library HVAC Project is near completion; only a few punch-list items remain. The new HVAC units are up and running. The new Coffee Bar for the student cafeteria is scheduled to open the week of October 1.
Discussion / Information Item(s):
- The Board continued its discussion on assisting RB students in identifying potential career pathways. An opportunity will be available for RB seniors interested in pursuing a career as a plumber to participate in a pre-apprenticeship class with the Plumbers Local 130 UA. RBHS is one of three high schools from the Des Plaines Valley Region Cooperative that will offer this opportunity to seniors.
- Individual Board members will be able to participate in a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) event for school board members in October. This training will provide the Board with a general background on DEI, which will help the school board support the DEI work already taking place in the district.
August 8, 2023
Board Briefs
District 208 Board of Education
August 8, 2023
(Posted August 14, 2023)
The District 208 Board of Education held a regular meeting on August 8, 2023, at Riverside Brookfield High School. View the agenda here. The meeting video is uploaded on the MYRBTV YouTube Page.
District Goal(s)
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skinkis provided several updates, including:
The cafeteria and library HVAC replacement project is almost complete; the District has started walkthroughs and punch lists with the contractors. Construction on the coffee bar in the student cafeteria is complete. The next phase is equipment delivery and installation. The tentative opening date is mid September. The Coordinator of PR and Community Engagement position that was identified through the community survey has been filled by Kiley Fletcher.
Principal’s Report
Principal Dr. Hector Freytas provided several updates, including:
Monday, August 14, is Staff Institute Day, and the first day for students is August 15th (late start schedule). Open House will be August 23, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Student Advisors to the Board of Education: The student advisors for the 2023-2024 school year are Joseph Kampschroeder and Kaylah Uribe-Alvarado.
Tentative Budget FY 24: The tentative budget continues to be available for public review on the District’s website. The final FY 24 Budget will be presented to the Board for approval at the September 12, 2023, Board of Education meeting.
Landscaping Project Bid: The District will update the landscaping along the front of the high school on Ridgewood Rd. DLA Architects conducted reference checks on the three lowest bidders and recommended Allied Landscaping Corporation with a bid of $181,025. The project is scheduled to commence in September 2023.
DLA MOU – Commercial Kitchen Lab: This Memorandum of Understanding with DLA Architects was approved to provide professional conceptual design services for the high school to review the implementation of a Commercial Kitchen Lab for the culinary arts classes. Students can eventually earn dual credit for classes taken at RB by having a commercial kitchen.
Following Closed Session - The Board authorized an increase in teaching sections for a choir teacher along with additional personnel matters.